The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited the Murray-Darling basin today as he begin selling the federal governments $4bn rescue plan.
Mr Rudd addressed the media with South Australia's ailing Lower Lakes region behind him saying it was a clear example of the effects of global warming.
Mr Rudd told the gathering Australia could not afford to ignore the issue any longer.
He said said his government was committed to saving the vital river system.
"If you want to see an example of stress from climate change and where it could go over time then look at what's behind us here in terms of the Murray Darling system," he said.